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B&H Introduces Marathon SL Roll-Fed Labeler

01-14-2004 - (Ceres, CA)
B&H Labeling Systems introduces the Marathon SL, a roll-fed labeler that features SMARTdrive(TM), a multi-axis servomotor motion control system for simplicity, ease-of-operation and higher reliability/uptime compared to complex rotary machines. Built on a modular platform for application tailoring, B&H designed the Marathon SL as a cost-effective, entry-level product in the Marathon family. Offering labeling speeds from 50 to 250 containers per minute, the machine's compact, in-line layout requires less than 40 ft2 (3.7 m2) of floor space.

Marathon is the first labeler to feature four-axis servomotor motion control with automatic label registration and timing. Called SMARTdrive(TM), this advanced approach uses independent servomotors communicating on a high-speed digital bus to synchronize labeling operations. By eliminating gears, belts and chains found in traditional machines, SMARTdrive offers extreme positional accuracy and provides more consistent performance over the life of the machine. In fact, label application defect rates are guaranteed to be less than 0.05%.

Marathon SL's digital design approach enables faster product changeovers. Key machine setup parameters are stored in a "recipe" database and downloaded for each new container type. This eliminates the need for tedious machine adjustments after replacing change parts. Handling containers from 8 oz. to 3 liters, Marathon cuts changeover time to less than 15 minutes from one full production speed to the next--a new industry standard.

The Marathon SL is designed for operator ease-of-use. The labeler features a ten-inch color touchscreen operator interface with intuitive drop-down menus, graphics, navigation bars and drop-down keyboards. Displays have been professionally tested for usability and understanding. Security access levels for displays, data entry and system operations are configurable on a site-by-site basis by the system administrator.

An advanced software feature of the Marathon SL is ProWatch(TM), a productivity monitoring software system that tracks labeler productivity and scrap by container type, operator, shift, day and week. Screen and hard-copy summary reports provide data for process and operational improvements, while optional Ethernet connectivity allows access to labeling machine data from plant-wide host computers. Monitoring and reporting critical data in real time enables packagers to maximize the productivity and the efficiency of the labeling operation.

Compared to complex rotary machines, the Marathon SL offers greatly simplified operation and maintenance. More automation features, fewer moving parts and built-in 24/7 self-checking diagnostics and troubleshooting aids also enhance reliability/uptime. The key benefit to the customer will be higher machine productivity and lower ownership costs over the life of the product.